Shogun training kicks with Tuba / Photo: UFC
Maurício Shogun is in Toronto, Canada, to catch Saturday’s UFC 129 event up close. When it comes to the main card the former champion doesn’t sit on the fence – and places his bets. Talking with GRACIEMAG.com, Shogun goes on to address his impending rematch with Forrest Griffin at UFC Rio and his loss to Jon Jones, when his light heavyweight crown slipped through his fingers.
Here’s what he had to say:
Who do you have winning the main-card fights at UFC 129?
I think Saint-Pierre will beat Jake Shields by unanimous decision and José Aldo will get the knockout. Lyoto will beat Couture. He’s really fast and should win this one.
What happened in you fight with Jon Jones? You seemed pretty apathetic…
It’s hard to say what happened. I lost the fight and now it’s all about training to get back to fighting. I don’t know if it was ring rust or if I just got rocked by that strike early on. Now all that’s in the past; I’m going to review my mistakes and set the ball rolling again.
What about your fight in Brazil at UFC Rio?
I’m really happy about that; it was something I really wanted to do. Now I just have to train and train.
What has changed with you since that fight you lost to Forrest?
Now I’m a more motivate, more focused fighter. I think that’s it. But I know that Forrest is really good and that, although it will be in Brazil, it will be a really tough fight.
What about Forrest? You’ve faced him, what do you think about him?
He’s really well rounded, good standing and has really good wrestling. He also has loads of gas, so I have to be really careful about everything. I have to be ready and at top shape too. That’s the way I see it.
Are you still training in the USA?
I’ll return to Brazil to pick up my training but will head back to the United States to finish the job.